Senseless & Devastating: Community Mourns Mom, Daughter Shot To Death In Mercer Co.

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — The community is mourning the death of a mother and teen daughter who were shot to death in their home in Trenton on Saturday.

Malika Whiting, 40, and her daughter Jairah Biggs, 13, were found shot to death in a Trenton home Saturday morning, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said.

Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said the deaths have shaken the community.

“It is with profound sorrow and heartbreak that we learned of the senseless and devastating loss of Malika Whiting and her 13-year-old daughter, Jairah Biggs. The news of this horrific act of violence has shaken our community The family's roots are in the community and throughout the City. No mother and daughter should ever be taken from this world in such a tragic and violent way,” Gusciora said.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family, friends, and loved ones of Malika and Jairah during this unimaginable time. As a city, we mourn alongside you and stand with you in grief and in solidarity.”

Jairah was a seventh-grade student in the city school system. Gusciora said crisis Counselors will be available through the schools. A prayer vigil is also being planned for Cadwalader Park on West State Street.

The Trenton Police Department, in collaboration with the Mercer County Homicide Task Force are investigating the shooting. is working tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and their family. Gusciora has urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.

“We must all play a role in ending the cycle of violence that continues to rob us of our loved ones and tear apart our community,” Gusciora said.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent work that still lies ahead to ensure safety and peace in every neighborhood. Trenton will not rest until justice is served, and we will continue to work every day to build a safer future for all our residents."

Tributes also poured in from family members and friends on social media.

About 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Trenton police responded to a residence in the 300 block of West State Street after receiving a 911 call reporting two deceased victims at that location.

On arrival, officers found Jairah in a third-floor bedroom with a gunshot wound and Malika, in the stairway leading to the third floor, County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said.

Both mother and daughter were pronounced dead at the scene.

A person of interest was detained on unrelated charges; no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Scott Peterson at 609-649-9218 or Sgt. Robert Reyes at 609-256-0997. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

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